Jump to content
 
  • entries
    129
  • comments
    741
  • views
    181,766

Das Yard!

TomE

Entry posted by TomE

1,974 views

 Share

Hi all.

 

Whilst I wait for a suitable day to start work on the base board for Ropley, I’ve been giving some though as to how to re-create the yard area in all it's ashy & grimy glory.

 

The trackwork outside the main shed is pretty much buried in ash & muck, as shown in this photo

 

Image1.jpg

Image ©Kentishman

 

So, the question was how to go about getting the same effect in N gauge.

 

I've never modelled inset track before, so this was a whole new experience for me. The first obvious criteria to bare in mind is that engines still have to be able to run over this area of track, and at even slower speeds than on the normal lines, so good contact with the rail is essential. Naturally due to the scale there would have to be a fairly large 'groove' in the ground to allow the N gauge flanges to run along.

 

My first thought was to simply use card or plastic inlaid between the lines, but very quickly decided this would give a much too uniform appearance and be practically devoid of any texture. I then came across Chris Nevard's article in Model rail about using air drying clay for producing a similar kind of effect, and decided that this might be the best method to try.

 

So, a quick trip to the local Ryman’s to pick up some DAS clay, and a short length of easitrac laid on a short plank of wood and I was ready to begin experimenting!

 

There wasn't really any scientific method to applying the clay, small lumps were simply pushed onto the line until it was level with the tops of the rails. After this a steel rule dipped in water was slowly run along the line to even off the clay, and then a damp finger used to smooth out any areas lifted up by the ruler. Once this was done, an old wagon was run up and down the line until grooves had formed to allow the wheels to sit correctly on the line. I found it necessary to repeat running the ruler & finger over the clay, then running the wagon up and down a few times until all looked nice and smooth. A large brush was then used to gently stipple the surface to give some texture.

 

After the clay had dried overnight, the first step was to give it quick sand with some P120 grade wet & dry paper. It was then sprayed with plasti-kote Suede texture paint before a layer of Halfords grey primer. At this stage, the fibrous nature of clay became apparent as the test section took on a slightly hairy appearance, but this was simply tapped down whilst still wet and actually adds to the texture. Finally, the whole lot was give a wash of thinned Humbrol matt black.

 

180111-Ropley003a.jpg

 

180111-Ropley005a.jpg

 

I'll leave you to judge from the photos if the method has been successful, but I'm quite pleased how it turned out. By creating a few indentations here and there I think I'll be able to recreate puddles of water using either PVA or Kleer.

 

Cheers all,

 

Tom.

 Share

9 Comments

Recommended Comments

James Hilton

Tom I have to say I think it's going to be very successful - although I suspect points will be harder to achieve so nicely - are there any points that need to be sunk into the same ash mess?

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold
TomE
  • RMweb Gold

Hi James. Yes, two I think. I may have to revert to plastic inlays for these to ensure clearences are maintained but will have to have further ponder once they are built & installed!

 

Cheers, Tom.

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold
bcnPete
  • RMweb Gold

Tom - looks good - I have to do something similiar and can't make up my mind between DAS and card etc....this looks like it may have tipped it in the DAS direction though ;)

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold
TomE
  • RMweb Gold

Hi Pete.

 

I think the DAS has given a much more realistic effect than card. It's slightly undulating and you add more texture, or take it away if needs be.

 

The 3MT runs ok on this short length but when I do this on the layout proper I'll be a bit more careful to remove the clay from the inside of the rail head, just to ensure smooth running.

 

Tom.

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold
TomE
  • RMweb Gold

I keep looking on eBay for cheap Farish Bullieds or Merchant Navys for engines pending restoration but it would be nice if Farish were to produce one to modern standards!

 

Kiwi newt, I thought about filler, but you don't have the control you do with the DAS clay where you can do very small sections at a time.

 

Tom.

Link to comment
nebnoswal

I need to do something similar for my yards on Sturminster, and have been bebating over clay or card. How portable do you think it would be? What I mean is that my baseboards are portable (2000 x 800 mm). Would the clay withstand being mv\oved around, from home to trailer etc etc?

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold
TomE
  • RMweb Gold

I think you should be ok. In a highly scientific experiment, I dropped the test sample and it survived intact, although when I come to do it on the layout proper I'll apply a layer of PVA first for extra security!

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...